A recent development from Tembagapura and Mimika, Papua Province, West Papua Region
The West Papua region is again in the spotlight because of the rising tension of the conflict between the security forces and the Papuan pro-independence group. As a result, thousands of people have been evacuated, and several members of the security forces died.
As reported by various media (Katadata, Detik, Kompas, etc.), the rebel group-known as the KKB (kelompok kriminal bersenjata) terrorized local West Papuans since last week. With the help of the local security forces and governments, as many as 1,572 people chose to evacuate themselves from four villages in Tembagapura, Mimika. The four villages are Pitawak, Kimbeli, Banti 1, and Banti 2.
The people sought refuge using buses owned by the Freeport mining company. They were temporarily housed in the courtyard of the Rehobot Church. Some of them choose to live in the homes of relatives.
“We will take strict action against KKB, which often disturbs the peace and comfort of the community,” said Papua Regional Police Chief Inspector General Paulus Waterpau, who is a West Papuan native.
Mimika Deputy Regent, Johannes Rettob said the situation in Mimika Regency was not conducive until now. “The regional government really hopes this situation will end soon,” he said.
The Indonesian government reportedly held a meeting related to this situation today (10/3/2020). Unfortunately, the central government is relatively slow in responding to emergency situations like this. This will undoubtedly continue to be in the public spotlight on the commitment of the Indonesian government to improve the welfare of Papua.
“In more detail, tomorrow there will be a meeting here (at the office of the ministry). Tomorrow I will invite the National Police, the Attorney General’s Office, the National Armed Forces, and all related institutions to meet here,” Mahfud MD, the minister said at the Coordinating Ministry for Politics and Security, Jakarta, Monday (9/3/2020).
At that moment, the minister has not wanted to talk further regarding the security of thousands of civilians displaced due to the KKB attack. He only said procedurally that security measures have been carried out by local authorities.
In contrast, several local stakeholders in West Papua have been shown to move faster to cope with emergencies like this. The collaboration between the Mimika district government and local security forces (TNI-POLRI) so far needs to be appreciated yet also monitored continuously. Local people are also coordinative in the evacuation process.
Earlier it was reported, Papua Regional Police Chief Inspector General Paulus Waterpauw explained that the situation in Timika was still tinged with gunbattles between the security forces and the rebel group.
“Until now there are still exchanges of gunfire, some security posts have been attacked,” said Papua Police Chief Inspector General Paulus Waterpauw who is a West Papuan native, when meeting residents at the evacuation site, Monday (03/09/2020) early morning.
In the process of evacuating residents, Detikcom wrote that they asked the security to help evacuate themselves because they are afraid of becoming victims of the KKB violence. It is widely known that the KKB not only commit violence to the authorities. They also make civilians victims.
Reportedly, Chief Sergeant posthumously La Ongge, passed away as a victim of the shooting. Mimika Deputy Regent of the West Papua region, Johannes Rettob, mourned on the death of the soldier on Monday (9/3/2020).
“I know him, during his lifetime, his loyalty was very high, good. I had met several times when he was on duty, even when he was active in the legislative election,” Johannes Rettob said after being met at the Mimika Hospital.
“On behalf of the local government and the people of Mimika, I would like to express my condolences,” he added.
This incident is certainly not wanted by anyone. It is highly expected that various parties will not take advantage of this alarming situation. It would be better off to think and further provide tangible assistance by supporting development in West Papua (Papua and West Papua provinces) in areas such as education and the economy.
Despite this tense situation, various social processes such as education and economic services in various other regions in West Papua continue to run smoothly. Teachers continue to teach safely and businesses continue to run vibrantly. Various voluntary activities also continue to run safely.
